Bayern Munich Thrash Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in European Champions League Opener

Bayern Munich’s Dominant Performance

Bayern Munich, Germany, secured a resounding 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia, in the first round of the European Champions League. Englishman Harry Kane led the charge, scoring four goals to guide his side to an emphatic win.

The match began with Serge Gnabry’s goal being disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the 16th minute. However, Bayern Munich persevered and scored their first goal in the 20th minute through a penalty kick taken by Kane. This goal drew Kane level with former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney as the top English scorer in the Champions League.

Rafael Guerrero doubled Bayern Munich’s lead in the 34th minute, capitalizing on Jamal Musiala’s pass. The hosts further strengthened their advantage before the end of the first half when young French winger Michael Ollis scored after Joshua Kimmich’s pass.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was forced to substitute goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at half-time due to injury, with substitute goalkeeper Sven Ulrich taking his place. The start of the second half saw the Croatian side reduce the deficit with two goals from Bruno Petkovic and Takuya Ogiwara in the 48th and 50th minutes.

Kane extended Bayern’s lead with his second goal in the 58th minute. Ollis scored his second and Bayern Munich’s fifth in the 61st minute after Muschiala’s pass. Kane completed his hat-trick with a penalty kick in the 73rd minute, followed by his fifth goal in the 78th minute with another penalty kick.

Leroy Sane left his mark after coming on as a substitute to score the eighth goal after a pass from veteran striker Thomas Muller. Leon Gruytska rounded off the goal celebrations in the second minute of stoppage time after Kimmich’s pass.

Bayern Munich secured their first three points of their league campaign ahead of their second match away to England’s Aston Villa. Dinamo Zagreb will play at home to Monaco, France, in their next match.

Match Statistics

• Bayern Munich: 9 goals (Kane 4, Guerrero, Ollis 2, Sane, Gruytska)
• Dinamo Zagreb: 2 goals (Petkovic, Ogiwara)
• Attendance: Allianz Arena